In a tragic incident in Northern California, a birthday party became the scene of a deadly shooting, leaving four people dead and 11 others injured. The attack occurred on November 29 at a banquet hall located on Lucile Avenue in Stockton. Shooters, dressed entirely in black and armed with at least five firearms, fired over 50 rounds during the celebration.
Details of the California Birthday Party Shooting
During the festivities, as attendees were preparing to cut a 2-year-old’s birthday cake, gunfire erupted. Four individuals lost their lives, including three children. The victims were identified as:
- Journey Rose Reotutar Guerrero, 8
- Maya Lupian, 8
- Amari Peterson, 14
- Susano Archuleta, 21
Patrick Peterson, Amari’s father, shared his emotional struggle. He described the heartache of losing his son, saying, “I’m going crazy. I’m looking in his room, I’m looking around the corner.” The depth of his grief reflects the broader impact this tragedy has had on the Stockton community.
Investigation Progress
Authorities in San Joaquin County are currently investigating the incident. Sheriff Patrick Withrow indicated that the investigation could take months to yield arrests. “We know there were at least five different firearms involved,” he stated, emphasizing the complexity of the case.
The shooters reportedly had their faces nearly fully covered during the attack. This has resulted in limited eyewitness descriptions. However, Sheriff Withrow mentioned that investigators may already have potential suspects in mind. “We just need to follow the evidence to prove who did this heinous act,” he said.
Community Response
Stockton, which has a population of approximately 320,000, is the county seat of San Joaquin County, a region known for its significant agricultural output. The community is grappling with the aftermath of this violent act, pushing residents and officials alike to advocate for increased safety measures.
The tragedy at this birthday party highlights the urgent need for discussions around gun violence and community safety in California.
